First look at new steakhouse opening in Warrington tonight

Pendergast’s on Cairo Street will welcome customers five days a week – Wednesdays to Sundays – to a relaxed dining experience complimented by premium wines and signature cocktails.

Offering seating for up to 80 guests inside and another 20 on the outside terrace, the eatery will take up residence in the former Mojo’s tapas bar on Cairo Street and is part of new development The Hive.

Pendergast's will open its doors to customers this evening, Wednesday

Pendergast will be serving main meals and small plates in its bespoke restaurant, which has been refurbished with a feminine vibe, providing a warm welcome for customers wanting to enjoy good food and drink in an elegant setting.

The management team’s vision for the venue is to provide a “fresh perspective to the premium steakhouse concept”.

As well as a range of the highest-quality prime steak cuts, the new menus feature a range of small plates and lighter bites including Argentinian jumbo prawns on sourdough toast with chilli and garlic, smashed roasties with beer cheese dip and baked heritage beets with maple and mustard dressing.

The venue has been refurbished with feminine vibes so its welcoming for all customers

Craig Kirk is the new head chef at Pendergast’s having trained at hotels in Edinburgh including the Mount Royal on Princes Street and the Caledonian Hilton, before working at Simon Rimmer’s Greens and Living Ventures.

He said: “We’ve put together a tantalising menu that we’re really proud of, one that we think offers something extra to a usual steakhouse menu, giving options for those with lighter appetites and non-meat eaters.

TAKE A LOOK ROUND WARRINGTON'S NEWEST STEAKHOUSE:

“The focus is on relaxed, social dining and our aim for the food, on both the menu and the deli counter, is to showcase the amazing produce that the north west has to offer.

A relaxing zen garden cocktail with edible soil and pebbles

“We’ll be supporting local, independent and artisan producers that make everything from coffee to cheese, letting the ingredients speak for themselves.

“I look forward to bringing my culinary skills and sharing my passion for food with the team and the town.

“I also have a reputation for delivering an excellent Sunday roast - more on that to come.

“We can’t wait to get started.”

Rob Dalton's carved feature

Caroline Ascroft's artwork in the ladies' toilets

The restaurant will focus on the owners’ passion for sustainable food, using ingredients sourced from as nearby as possible, where available.

Local artists have provided specially commissioned artwork for the new restaurant with Rob Daulton creating a wooden carved cattle head and Caroline Ascroft’s masterpieces adorning the walls of the private dining area and the ladies’ restroom.

The private dining area can seat up to eight guests and is available free of charge with pre-booking for small functions and intimate celebrations.

The private dining space that seats eight

Manager, Stevie Shepperson, who is also part of the Pendergast’s development team, said:

“I’m very excited to be a part of Warrington’s burgeoning dining scene.

“We chose Warrington because it is benefitting from a huge amount of investment both from the local council and private businesses.

“There is so much going on here, there is a real buzz around the town and we’re in a great spot to really maximise that.

“The positive changes in recent years, including the development of the new marketplace, are really starting to pay dividends transforming the bustling town centre.”

Stevie added: “We’re looking forward to supporting the town and helping to promote Warrington as a dining destination, as we grow Pendergast’s into the north west’s number one steakhouse.”

The illuminated bar in the centre of the restaurant